Court issues arrest warrant for Tompolo

Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a warrant for the arrest of a former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo).

The judge said the warrant had to be issued after Mr. Ekpemupolo failed to respond to invitations to appear before the court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it would on Thursday (today), arraign Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), and Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former director general of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

The duo would be arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, on a 40-count charge of alleged money laundering, conspiracy, stealing and diversion of funds, the EFCC said.

Four other persons alongside four companies are also to be arraigned.

They are Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

The companies are Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Destre Consult Limited.

The suspects allegedly diverted N34 billion which accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist Limited for personal use.

The EFCC said it had secured an order of the Federal High Court to serve the summon and charge on Tompolo by substituted means as the former Niger Delta militant leader has continuously evaded service.

The order by Justice Ibrahim Buba allows the EFCC to serve the defendant through substituted means by affixing the summons and charge on a conspicuous part of his known address situated at No. 1 Chief Agbanu Street, DDPA Extension Warri, Delta State.